Somewhere Over the Border
Somewhere Over the Border is a DC premiere musical by Brian Quijada, inspired by the true story of his mother’s immigration from El Salvador to the United States in the 1970s. In this reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy becomes Reina, who travels north toward the Mexican border, making friends, confronting danger, and holding on to the memory of the young son she left behind while seeking a better life for them both.
The production blends joyful theatricality with the difficult realities of migration, using cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock, hip hop, and other musical styles. It is presented by Mosaic Theater Company and directed by Raymond O. Caldwell. Quijada is also the award-winning co-creator and star of Mexodus, which premiered at Mosaic before receiving consecutive Off-Broadway runs.
When: September 10–October 18, 2026
Showtimes: September 10 at 7:30 p.m.; September 11 at 7:30 p.m.; September 12 at 7:30 p.m.; September 13 at 3 p.m.; September 17 at 7:30 p.m.; September 18 at 7:30 p.m.; September 19 at 7:30 p.m.; September 20 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; September 24 at 7:30 p.m.; September 25 at 7:30 p.m.; September 26 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; September 27 at 3 p.m.; October 1 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 2 at 7:30 p.m.; October 3 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 4 at 3 p.m.; October 8 at 7:30 p.m.; October 9 at 7:30 p.m.; October 10 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 11 at 3 p.m.; October 14 at 11 a.m.; October 15 at 7:30 p.m.; October 16 at 7:30 p.m.; October 17 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and October 18 at 3 p.m.
Canceled performance: The October 3, 2026, 3 p.m. performance is marked canceled. The October 3 performance at 7:30 p.m. remains listed.
Tickets: Price not available
Venue: Atlas Performing Arts Center
Presented by: Mosaic Theater Company
Playwright: Brian Quijada
Director: Raymond O. Caldwell
Production: DC premiere
Content warnings: The production includes prop weapons and loud sound effects incorporating gunfire.
Run time: Not listed on the event page.
Ages: No age guidance is listed on the event page.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is listed on the event page.
Support: The production is supported by Partners Circle Champions Jordan Bookey and Felix Lloyd; The Bookey Family Foundation; Deborah Carliner and Robert Remes; Dianne and Herbert Lerner; Frank and Emily Vogl; Believers Dr. Bill and Evelyn Braithwaite; Stephen Riddick; Activists Barry and Phyllis Caldwell; Julie and David Zalkind; and Advocates Debbie Goldman and Rosa D. Wiener.